Holidays with children in Belarus

The small country, the Republic of Belarus, is welcoming and hospitable to Russian tourists with children. The small size of the country is successfully compensated by the beautiful nature, for this Belarus received the unofficial name “Country of Lakes and Rivers”.

The tourist cluster at our closest neighbors is just beginning to develop and promises to be impressive. But today in Belarus you can relax very well. How to do this, we will try to tell in this article.

The main feature of Belarus is its nature and very friendly local population. Here they treat Russians well, appreciate and respect tourists. They are ready to show the very best - national parks and reserves, about which they have been composing songs for centuries and writing poems, sights, which, by the way, are many.

The language barrier is absent, the population of the republic speaks excellent Russian, and does this not only with tourists, but also in their daily lives.

A trip to this country can be useful for those who like to go shopping on vacation. Shopping here is very popular: you can buy high-quality, but inexpensive goods. Belarusian knitwear is famous all over the world, coats and fur coats sewn at Belarusian factories can compete with any European brands. Known and carpets of Belarus, and its cosmetics. It’s not worth talking about the tasty and healthy products of local farmers - their quality is excellent.

Holidays in this country are categorized budget. But this is an ambiguous question, since there are hotels in the country where all-inclusive accommodation for a week will cost 90,000 rubles, and there are sanatoriums with excellent three meals a day for only 800-1,000 rubles per person per day.

In this republic, food, juice, tea, coffee and fruit drinks, and lemonade are usually invested in it. Alcohol is not included in the cost of vouchers, as well as some additional services at the hotel - massage, spa, and in some cases, use of the pool.

Prices in Belarus are encouraging: the average bill in a restaurant in 2017 is 740 Russian rubles, in a cafe - 370 rubles. Grocery stores can surprise Russians with cheaper pork, chicken, cheese (230 rubles per kilogram of high-quality cheese), milk and eggs are about twice as cheap as in Russia. You can rent an apartment for a month on average for 10-14 thousand rubles, and the payment of utilities in general will be shocking - the fee is about 940 rubles per month.

Taking into account the average prices, it is quite possible to relax here without purchasing a voucher, entering the country on your own, renting accommodation and organizing your entertainment on your own. It will not be expensive.

Entry to Belarus for Russians visa-free.That is, on the border it is enough to show your all-Russian passport. Suitable and passport. Belarusian border guards will not be forced to fill in the migration card either.

Children under the age of 14 will need a birth certificate. If the names of the child and the parents are different, then you should additionally take the documents confirming the relationship: marriage certificate, divorce, certificate from the passport office about changing the name, if it changed at will.

Teenagers over 14 years old must have their own Russian passport or foreign passport to go to Belarus.

If the child travels accompanied by only one of the parents, the border guards will be asked to present a power of attorney to leave the minor outside the Russian Federation from the second parent. It is issued by a notary.

A medical policy that every person has in Russia is not a valid document in Belarus, but there is no need to make travel medical insurance separately - in Belarus, medical assistance in an emergency will be provided to Russians absolutely free of charge.

Registration in Belarus, the Russians do not need the first 30 days in the country. When traveling on holiday by car at the border, you will need to purchase a so-called "Green Card" - this is a kind of analogue of our CTP. The cost of such a card for 2 weeks is 800 rubles.

In winter, Belarus is particularly good. Despite the fact that the continental climate makes the winter months quite cold, it is precisely at this time that you should definitely visit the republic. You can stay here in a boarding house, a holiday home, which operates year-round. You can rent an apartment cheaply or book a hotel room. Winter holidays in cottage villages in tourist camp areas are very popular.

The main question that worries tourists who are considering the possibility of a winter trip to Belarus: what is there to do with children in the cold? And there are lots of classes here.

You can have a great winter vacation with a teenager living in one of the houses or cottages that are abundant at this time around the Berezina River, the Dnieper, on the banks of the Chigirinsky reservoir, the Svityaz lakes and in the Bratislava lakes region. These places are considered the most fishy in winter. Hire of fishing ammunition and inventory is available on each reservoir, the prices are quite reasonable.

The most popular ski resorts in the country are located near Minsk. Half an hour from the capital there is a ski center "Silichy". There are seven trails waiting for tourists, lifts, rental equipment and all related services - a restaurant, cafe, cottages with a fireplace. Of the seven tracks, one is for children. For young skiers also give riding lessons. If you are tired of skiing, you can have fun for the whole family at the rink, which is also available in the center.

Alpine skiing complex "Logoisk" located forty minutes from Minsk and its main advantage is that the slopes are well lit, so you can even ride in the dark. On the tracks for beginners, professional instructors work; no one interferes with experienced skiers who ride on separate tracks. There is a rental of equipment, snowboards, "cheesecakes".

In Minsk itself there is a center for snowboarders, it is called "Sunny Valley". Here you can hone your skills in skating on the board or get the first lessons. And ski lovers are waiting at the resort "Raubichi." There are five ski resorts around Minsk, and one in the Gomel region.

In the Logoisk district of the Minsk region there is a picnic-hotel "Expedition", where you can have fun and playfully ride a sleigh with the most real dog sled. Blue-eyed Huskies will give a lot of positive emotions to children and adults, as well as roll with the wind.

In the cold you can take water treatments on the street! The hotel "Expedition" for the three winter months sets on the street large wooden barrels and hot water. Those wishing to steam them - more than enough. Japanese baths are also popular. There are several of them all over the country; finding the nearest labor will not make up.

There are a lot of them in the country. In small farms for tourists created excellent conditions - national cuisine, living in houses on the estate, fresh air, forest, lakes and plenty of entertainment. So, in the estate "Farm Yedishki" you can take a walk in the frosty forest on a sleigh, which will drive three horses. Manor "Verasy" and "Quiet Whirlpool" offer riding on snowmobiles, and the recreation center "Krasnogorka" and the estate "Antos" - riding through a snowy forest on powerful quad bikes.

Winter excursions in Grodno are very popular. There you can see amazing historical and architectural monuments, dine in a restaurant that offers national Belarusian dishes. Brest will take everyone and show amazing cathedrals and the church. In addition, you can visit the famous Brest Fortress. Gomel, Mogilyov and Vitebsk offer city sightseeing tours that are sure to be remembered. It is worth visiting in the winter in Belovezhskaya Pushcha - the reserve is incredibly beautiful in the snow decoration. In addition, the residence of the main Belarusian Father Frost is located here, and the child will remember the visit to it for life.

Sanatoriums of the republic work in the winter, the price of vouchers at this time reduced to a maximum. Most resorts have their own medical profile, so you should choose on the basis of what kind of health problems you have. Most sanatoriums accept children, recreational activities are also developed for them.

In the summer of tourists are ready to take numerous farmsteads and tourist bases on the lakes. Such a secluded rest in the lap of nature is ideal for a family with a small child, who absolutely does not need crowds of tourists, noise, bustle. An older child will be delighted with fishing, boating, horseback riding in the woods, riding a quad bike. Fresh natural milk, sour cream, cheese, tasty national cuisine will definitely benefit the health of the baby. All this is offered by tourist bases.

The summer tourist season in the republic begins early - at the end of April, and many people in May celebrate going for a walk through the clean and well-groomed streets of Belarusian cities or soak up the shores of the cleanest lake.

The best tourist bases and farmsteads for families with children in the summer:

• “Merry rabbit” (Brest region);
• “Bear's corner” (Vitebsk region);
• “Terrace” (Minsk region);
• "Lake" (Minsk region);
• "Butterfly" (Vitebsk region);
• Berloga Hall (Minsk region);
• “Lukomorye” (Vitebsk region).

The Nalibokskaya Forest is also worthy of attention - another reserve of the republic, which will surprise and delight us with almost pristine nature. Prices for summer vacations in the country are growing, but not very much, so the choice of accommodation is large - from renting private houses and apartments to mini-hotels and guest houses, as well as large hotels, hotels, resorts, guest houses.

Summer fun, in addition to swimming in rivers and lakes, can be planned in the cities. In six Belarusian cities there are water parks (Molodechno, Zhlobin, Pruzhany, Grodno, Kobrin and the village of Ozerny). Water parks themselves are small, high slides, as in Turkey or Egypt, here you will not meet. But they are clean, bright, varied and well thought out for family holidays.

There is nothing easier than to send a child to rest in one of children's camps Belarus There are many of them, they are diverse, many are known far beyond the borders of the country:

• "Zubrenok". This camp in the Minsk region has long since ceased to be international. The shifts here are of a recreational nature, numerous international events, forums and competitions are held at the base of the camp. Children from 6 to 17 years old are admitted to Zubrenok.
• Only English Land. it language camplocated on the territory of the prestigious sanatorium "Belarus". Here come speakers of different languages, and for the shift the children manage to improve their knowledge in the field of English. Children from 9 years old are accepted.
• Dreamcamp. This is a famous linguistic camp in Minsk. Guys from 6 to 16 years old can come here. Each shift is not only linguistic, but also career-oriented.
• Smile house - Another well-known linguistic camp, which in addition to learning the language offers health services. It is located in the ecologically clean district of Minsk, near the Drozdy lake.
• Health camp to them. Gastello. This camp is located in the Minsk district in the city of Zaslavl. Beautiful nature and a variety of thematic shifts for the summer period will be of interest to Russian children of all ages.

They have kept the best traditions of the Soviet pioneer camps, this inspires confidence among parents, and intrigues the children. Vouchers to the Belarusian camps should be bought in advance (in early spring for the coming summer). You can buy a ticket on the website of the selected children's camp.

Resorts and sanatoria of Belarus are focused on the treatment of various diseases. Not all are ready to accept a family with a small child, but in most cases the possibility of a family vacation is provided. Here are the best therapeutic options:

• Sanatorium "Borovoye" (Vitebsk region). The resting place is located in a pine forest. In 2016, the sanatorium was completely reconstructed, and it received the highest rating from a special expert commission. It takes families with children from 3 years. The cost of living is about 3,000 rubles in the summer and from 2,000 rubles in the winter per person per day. For children there is a swimming pool and a playground with slides. From the resort guests are taken out on various excursions, there is an entertainment program every day. Medical direction - treatment of diseases of the digestive system, blood circulation, bone skeleton and muscular system.

• Sanatorium "Priozerny" (Minsk region). There are good rehabilitation programs for nervous diseases, diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The sanatorium is located on the territory of the national natural park. Children are accepted until they reach the age of five, but treatment is possible only from the age of 15. For all guests there is a swimming pool with mineral water, the beach on the local lake Naroch is equipped with toilets and showers. For children, there is a playroom and an outdoor playground.

• Sanatorium "Sosny" (Mogilev region). In this sanatorium, respiratory diseases are well treated. The resting place itself is located in the forest 350 meters from the Dnieper. Children are accepted from 3 years old, and for them at this age are already prescribed and carried out medical procedures. The main building has a large indoor pool, sauna. Children can play in a special room or on a street platform with slides and swings. The cost of living in the summer of about 1,800 rubles per person, in the winter - about 1,500 rubles.

• Sanatorium "Ruzhansky" (Brest region). This is one of the few sanatoriums in the country, where children are taken from birth, that is, you can go here with the baby and not regret it. The resort has its own small indoor water park with children's slides and attractions. It is well treated diseases of the digestive system and metabolism. There is a separate wellness program in pediatrics, and mom will have the opportunity, under the supervision of specialists, to quickly lose weight and put herself in order after giving birth.

• Sanatorium "Golden Sands" (Gomel region). Here you can receive treatment for diseases of the respiratory and nervous system. Great achievements from local doctors are available in the field of gynecology. Children are accepted and treated from 2 years. The cost of living, taking into account five meals a day, is about 2000 rubles per day from each guest.

• Sanatorium "Sunny" (Brest region). It is well treated nerve disorders and respiratory diseases. Children are accepted from 3 years. The resort has a mineral pool with separate children's lanes. Nearby flows the river Mukhovets, on which the sanatorium has its own beach with sun beds. For children, the sanatorium offers tutor services, a large playroom with a lot of toys and a playground. Moms here can try out a unique cosmetology method of wine wrapping and lifting procedure. The cost of living on average is about 1900-2000 rubles per person per day.

• Sanatorium "Pearl" (Grodno region). This sanatorium is considered an excellent option for joint recreation with children. The medical base is large, the list of diseases for which help is provided here is very large. Children are accepted from 3 years, for them there are personal programs of improvement. On the territory of the sanatorium there is a pool with artesian mineral water, aquatrainers, saunas and baths. Children have access to the game room and playground. From the sanatorium there is an opportunity to go on any excursion, it is enough to declare your desire to the administrator. The cost of living per day on average is about 2000 rubles.

In Belarus, lovers of quiet outdoor recreation will get everything they dreamed of. But if you want to have fun, see the country, then the guests will certainly be offered a lot of excursion programs. Visiting is impossible physically everywhere, so you should give preference to some of the most interesting, in the opinion of tourists, directions. Some are designed for a few hours, others for the weekend, and others for a few days.

• The Augustus Forest and the August Channel. The unique landscape of these places and the amazing hydraulic structure, similar to the British channel, will open a completely different Belarus for guests. In the Pushcha there are a lot of plants listed in the Red Book, and also there are many animals and birds that are under the special protection of nature conservationists. In the tourist park, which is located here, you can ride a boat, take a boat trip along the canal along which the pillboxes that have been preserved since World War II and the forts of the Grodno fortress are located.

• Bialowieza Forest. This is the main national park of the republic. It will not be just a walk in a beautiful place. On the way, a museum is sure to meet where there are foxes, boars and roes, as well as bison, symbols of the Pushcha. You can rent a bike and ride along the tracks of the reserve or the whole family to make a horse ride.

• Blue Lakes. This is a tour of the many lakes of the country. It will take about two days. Overnight is provided. The guests will be shown the most beautiful reservoirs of the republic, will be told their story. At each you can make a stop, swim, if the weather allows, go fishing, ride a boat. For two days, you will be able to see the unique UNESCO-marked lakes Bolduc, Imsharitsa, Barley, and the Dead Lake, shrouded in fairy tales and legends of the Belarusian people.

• Nesvizh Palace and Park Ensemble. Here you should definitely visit Nesvizhsky Castle, the Palace Park, the Town Hall of the 16th century, the unique Church of the Lord of its kind.
• Khatyn. The memorial complex, built on the site of the village of Khatyn, whose inhabitants, young and old, in 1943, the Germans burned alive. On the way, you can stop by and see the Mound of Glory.

• Brest Fortress. The small fortress, which was the first to meet the Great Patriotic War, has now become a large museum, the significance of which is difficult to overestimate. During the tour, which lasts a whole day, guests are shown not only the broken and shelled remains of the fortress, but also several memorial museums, which are now located on its territory.
• Zhirovichsky monastery. This is the largest architectural ensemble of Belarus of the 17th century. You can not only visit the monastery itself, but also visit the font, which is located nearby. That it is a place of pilgrimage, as it is considered healing and miraculous.

• Gorky Park in Minsk - the largest amusement park.
• Minsk Planetarium.
• Belarusian State Circus (Minsk).
• Minsk Zoo.
• Water park "Lebyazhiy" (Minsk).
• Minsk Dolphinarium ,.
• Gomel Palace and Park Ensemble.
• Brest Regional Philharmonic.
• Gomel State Puppet Theater.
• Bowling club "Spartak" (Gomel).
• Adventure Park "Highmountain" (Perhurovo).
• The unique dinosaur park "DinoPark" (Minsk).

This tourist destination has earned a solid 4.5 points out of 5.0 according to the results of Internet users. The Russians, who spent their holidays in Belarus, enthusiastically expressed about cleanliness in cities and towns, excellent roads, neat and well-groomed facades of buildings.

Especially note the service in hotels and boarding houses - it is at a high level and definitely worth the money that vacationers paid. Experienced tourists, who have visited the republic with children more than once, argue that you definitely need to visit all six regions of Belarus, because each has its own unique flavor.

As disadvantages, due to which the country lost half the point in the estimates, tourists note the inconvenience of converting the local currency to Russian rubles, as well as the need to change money, because the Russians do not accept. Exchangers, by the way, are not at every turn, and sometimes this causes serious inconvenience. Thieves pickpockets are operating in large places, but they act “according to their conscience” - they take the money, and they throw the documents of the tourists into the police.

You will learn more about holidays with children in Belarus from the following video.